Episodes

  • New York joins 15 other states in a lawsuit seeking to restore childhood vaccine schedule

    New York joins 15 other states in a lawsuit seeking to restore childhood vaccine schedule
    Oct 6 2026
    New York joined 15 other states yesterday in a lawsuit seeking restoration of the childhood vaccine schedule rolled back by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.John Asbury reports in NEWSDAY that the lawsuit — which names Kennedy and Dr. Erica Schwartz, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as defendants — is asking a federal judge to order the childhood schedules restored for seven vaccines, including for hepatitis B, the flu, RSV and meningitis. The suit also is asking the judge in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California to declare the CDC’s new vaccine schedule illegal; invalidate the agency's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a panel that made the recommendations; and reverse Kennedy's order against hepatitis B vaccinations for infants at birth."The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ... delivered an unprecedented attack on the nation’s evidence-based childhood immunization schedule," the lawsuit states. "Under the direction of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., a longtime anti-vaccine activist, the CDC stripped seven childhood vaccines of their universally recommended status, in favor of senseless complexity and equivocation that will make children sicker and strain state resources."The states’ lawsuit also is challenging Kennedy's June 2025 firing of the previous panel of the CDC immunization committee, which sets U.S. vaccine recommendations.New York Attorney General Letitia James on Monday added the state to the lawsuit, which was filed by attorneys general in Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island and Wisconsin, along with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro."Every parent wants their child to grow up healthy and protected from preventable diseases," James said in a statement. "For decades, these vaccines have kept millions of children out of the hospital and saved countless lives. Families deserve guidance grounded in science, and these abrupt changes put children's health at risk. I will keep fighting to protect our kids and make sure every family can trust the advice they get from their pediatrician."The CDC reduced the number of recommended vaccines from 17 to 11 in January, while still recommending shots for polio, whooping cough, chickenpox, measles, tetanus and HPV. The agency also stopped recommending the COVID-19 vaccine for all children.New York State officials said they would continue to follow the traditional recommended schedule for all 17 vaccines. State lawmakers passed legislation in May that separated state guidance from federal agencies and maintained vaccine requirements for school enrollment and traditional guidance for children and newborns.***The Shinnecock Indian Nation’s first woman chairperson announced she will temporarily step down from her duties to deal with unspecified medical issues.Mark Harrington reports in NEWSDAY that in a letter to Shinnecock tribe members, Lisa Goree said she had experienced “some serious medical issues that require me to focus my attention on my health.” Her three-month leave, recommended by her doctors, will mean that her responsibilities as the nation’s highest ranking member will be shared by council members and staff.“I have the utmost confidence in our council of trustees, executive cabinet, as well as staff that have always remained committed to keeping the business of the nation a priority,” Goree wrote.Lance Gumbs, the nation’s vice chairman, will take on the role of interim chairman.The move comes as the Shinnecock Nation...whose federally recognized tribal territory is adjacent west to Southampton Village...has faced challenges to its economic development plans in Hampton Bays. New York State has filed multiple legal actions seeking to shut down its Sunrise Highway digital billboards, a primary income source for the nation, and the Town of Southampton has filed suit to block construction of its travel plaza gas station on the north side of Route 27.Both initiatives are on more than 80 acres of tribal land called Westwoods in Hampton Bays that was recognized as being federally protected in a U.S. Department of the Interior finding over a year ago. Southampton Town and New York State have challenged that federal finding in court.Goree, who in 2025 was elected as the first woman to serve as chair of the council of trustees, also works for Southampton Town in the assessor’s office, a position she said yesterday she will continue to hold. ***Riverhead Town police officers will be at four local businesses tomorrow morning for Coffee with a Cop Day, inviting residents to stop in for an informal conversation over coffee.As posted on Riverheadlocal.com, police officers will be at the following locations from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Wednesday Oct. 7:Wildcat Bagel Deli, 6243 Route 25A, Wading RiverLolly’s Hut, 1290 Old Country ...
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    10 mins
  • Nearly half of Long Islanders support slowing the development of large data centers

    Nearly half of Long Islanders support slowing the development of large data centers
    Jun 30 2026
    Nearly half of Long Islanders support slowing the development of large data centers, according to the results of a Newsday/Siena Research Institute poll, which highlighted growing concerns among New Yorkers.Data centers house the physical infrastructure for data storage, and technology giants say they are vital to the growing use of artificial intelligence.The poll found 47% of Long Islanders back a bill passed by the State Legislature on June 4 that would put a one-year pause on the permitting of large data centers. One in three, about 34%, said they were either in the middle, didn’t know enough or refused to answer the question. About 19% of Long Islanders said they thought a moratorium is bad for New York.Statewide, the results mirrored those on Long Island with 46% of New Yorkers saying a moratorium would be good for the state, 21% saying it would be bad, and 33% saying they were in the middle, didn’t know or refused to answer, according to the poll."Communities that are making this decision are focused on this. You’re weighing jobs, energy uses, the effect on water," Don Levy, executive director of the Siena Research Institute, told Newsday. Underneath those concerns is the question about AI and whether people feel it is going to be beneficial or they are threatened by it, he said.The Newsday poll was done in conjunction with the Siena Research Institute between June 17 and 23 among 412 registered voters on Long Island. The margin of error was 6.1%, meaning answers may vary by that amount. The regional survey was taken as a subsection of a statewide Siena poll that surveyed 1,120 voters and has a margin of error of 3.6%Keshia Clukey reports in NEWSDAY that the poll comes as hundreds of large-scale data centers are popping up around the country and municipalities across the state and Long Island weigh the benefits and potential negative impacts of the centers on their communities. A large-scale data center is being proposed in Yaphank in Suffolk County.Developers have touted the need for data centers, as well as the community investment and jobs they bring, largely through the construction of the facilities.But there are growing concerns over their massive energy consumption and use of water for cooling purposes, which put pressure on infrastructure, increase utility rates and raise questions surrounding environmental impact.If the bill is signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul, New York would be the first state to put a moratorium on the development of more large-scale data centers.Jennifer Fowkes, 58, of East Hampton, told Newsday she is "really grateful" to the legislature for passing a moratorium. "There’s so much fear, misinformation, misunderstanding," said the Democrat who participated in the poll.Fowkes said the issue needs to be studied and expressed particular concern over the impact on water use and quality because Suffolk County sits on a sole source aquifer. "I don't think a year is long enough," she said, but "it’s a great start."The question on data centers particularly "stands out," because one-third of respondents statewide and on Long Island say either they are torn, or they don’t have enough knowledge to have an opinion, Levy said. "Certainly, to whatever extent this is a political issue, they could be wooed."***A federal judge yesterday dismissed the complaint challenging New York’s Even Year Election Law, throwing out the governmental plaintiffs’ claims with prejudice, while allowing the remaining non-governmental plaintiffs an opportunity to file a new complaint.Denise Civiletti reports on Riverheadlocal.com that in a sharply worded 22-page decision, U.S. District Judge Gary R. Brown on Monday ruled that the remaining government plaintiffs could not pursue the federal constitutional claims, concluding they were barred by the prior state-court litigation, lacked standing and had no cause of action under the federal civil rights statute known as Section 1983.Barring further relief in the case, the ruling means Riverhead’s 2026 supervisor election is expected to proceed under the Even Year Election Law, with voters electing a supervisor this November to a two-year term that will align the town’s election cycle with even-numbered years.Judge Brown questioned the propriety of municipal governments participating in the litigation alongside partisan political organizations, calling government spending on the lawsuit "troubling," since there was lack of "evident injury" suffered by the government plaintiffs, citing RiverheadLOCAL’s reporting on more than $1.6 million in taxpayer-funded legal fees.Judge Brown granted the state’s motion to dismiss the Amended Complaint, dismissing the remaining governmental plaintiffs’ claims with prejudice. He also dismissed with prejudice the claims against the State of New York, Gov. Kathy Hochul and the New York State Board of Elections.Thus, government plaintiffs - Suffolk County and Huntington Town — have been dismissed from the ...
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    6 mins
  • NYC enacts one-year moratorium on student-facing AI

    NYC enacts one-year moratorium on student-facing AI
    Sep 24 2026
    Citing the need to "protect the human connection, curiosity and creativity" in learning, New York City officials announced earlier this month that the nation's largest school system would enact a one-year moratorium on "student-facing" generative artificial intelligence from preschool through eighth grade. Companion chatbots would be prohibited across all grades and screen time limits would be imposed for students in eighth grade and below.NYS Gov. Kathy Hochul has also signaled interest in regulating how AI is used in the classroom.But Darwin Yanes reports in NEWSDAY that on Long Island, educators say AI is here to stay, and they must adapt. For some districts, that has meant incorporating AI through means like chatbots that can offer personalized lessons while others are taking a more cautious approach, studying how best to use it in the classroom.Kenneth Bossert, president of the New York State Council of School Superintendents, told NEWSDAY that each district is taking the approach that makes the most sense for its staff and students. "There are certainly districts that are at a different comfort level with how they've incorporated AI and AI platforms," he said. "Some [are] more forward-facing, directly working with students. Others [are] limiting AI resources to that used by administration and the teachers. It's definitely a time of careful investigation."Bossert, who is also the Great Neck schools superintendent, said what many districts have in common is that they restrict AI for primary school learners."As it becomes more age- and developmentally-appropriate, there's a greater exploration and greater application," he said.The Brookings Institution found in a January report that while AI could provide benefits such as saving teachers time when it came to lesson planning, grading and assessing students, it could also threaten students' safety, undermine their cognitive and emotional development and degrade trust in education. In addition to outlining the potential dangers and benefits of AI, the authors of the Brookings study recommended developing regulations to protect students' data and emotional well-being and fostering AI literacy among teachers and families.***Mostly sunny skies and breezy conditions today across Long Island will give way to thickening clouds by the evening and likely showers, along with the potential for flooding and high winds, the result of a nor'easter forming off the Atlantic coast.Forecasters said offshore winds could hit 60 mph by the weekend, bringing the potential for widespread moderate coastal flooding for southern Nassau during times of high tide Friday evening and Saturday morning, the National Weather Service said.Wind gusts will increase as the weekend gets closer, with a predicted 39 mph for Montauk today and 47 mph Friday. Offshore wind gusts will reach as high as 60 mph tomorrow.The National Weather Service has issued gale warnings on ocean waters out to more than 20 miles off the coast through Friday. Gale watches on eastern Long Island Sound and the South Shore bays were converted to gale warnings for Friday.Newsday meteorologist Geoff Bansen said while it is still too early to confirm an official weather model, the nor'easter looks like it will remain offshore with its center coming about as close as Block Island. Ocean waves could reach as high as between 7 and 10 feet, the service said.The Cross Sound Ferry canceled all trips between Orient and New London, Connecticut, due to "impending weather and sea conditions," the operator said on its website. ***A free marine wildlife conservation and safety event will be held Sunday, October 4, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sag Harbor Fire Department, 1357 Brick Kiln Road in Sag Harbor.The event is being organized by Quincy Renaud, a Life Scout with Sag Harbor Troop 455, as part of his Eagle Scout Service Project, in partnership with Ellie Sywak, education and outreach coordinator at the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society.The event will teach community members and recreational boaters how to identify marine wildlife in distress, what to do when an animal is found and whom to contact for assistance. Attendees also can learn about sea turtle rehabilitation, receive a free boat sticker and participate in a child-friendly activity.Scouts from Troop 455, ages 11 to 17, will assist with the event.The event coincides with the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society’s 10th anniversary of rehabilitating sea turtles and responding to stranded seals and whales. It also comes following the signing of New York’s Whale Awareness Act, which adds educational guidelines for boater safety courses aimed at preventing vessel strikes.That’s Saturday, October 4 at 11 a.m. at the Sag Harbor Fire House on Brick Kiln Road.***Water quality in Long Island Sound appears to be improving, according to testing by the nonprofit Save the Sound, but many bays showed poor levels of oxygen needed to sustain marine life. The organization ...
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    10 mins
  • The Arts Center at Duck Creek in Springs has announced the return of its Family Night Series

    The Arts Center at Duck Creek in Springs has announced the return of its Family Night Series
    Jul 1 2026
    Massive changes are coming to the federal student loan system starting today, with fewer repayment options for many borrowers and new loan limits for parents, graduate students, part-time students and others.Maura McDermott reports in NEWSDAY that the new rules are part of President Donald Trump’s tax-and-spending legislation, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, approved last year by Congress. They’re expected to have a broad impact on Long Island and across the country, with nearly 43 million Americans holding $1.7 trillion in federal student debt.Federal education officials have said the changes are intended to simplify the student loan system, protect borrowers from excessive debt and reduce the cost of higher education. In congressional testimony in May, Department of Education secretary Linda McMahon called college costs “exorbitant” and said they must be reduced.In many cases, though, student debt experts said borrowers will face higher monthly payments, and the new loan limits could prompt some to take out higher-cost private loans.One of the biggest changes is the replacement of older programs such as the Biden-era Saving on a Valuable Education, or SAVE, plan, which linked monthly payments to income, with the lowest-earning borrowers having their payments reduced to zero.More than 7 million borrowers in the SAVE plan will be notified that they have 90 days to choose one of two new plans, said Michele Zampini, associate vice president for federal policy and advocacy at The Institute for College Access & Success. The new options are the standard plan, which does not take income into consideration, or the income-linked Repayment Assistance Plan, she said. RAP requires payments of up to 10% of a borrower’s adjusted gross income for 30 years.SAVE borrowers who do not apply for RAP will be placed in the standard plan.Even in the RAP plan, a family of four earning the national median income of about $80,000 could see monthly payments spike from $36 under SAVE to $440 under RAP, Zampini said. Two other plans, the Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) and Pay As You Earn (PAYE) plans, are also being phased out but not until 2028.Other changes that take effect today include a new $20,000 per year and $65,000 lifetime limit on Parent PLUS loans. Previously, parents could borrow up to the full cost of tuition.***The East Hampton Historical Society has spent the past six months restoring the Mulford Farmhouse on James Lane to how the structure looked in 1776, during the American Revolution.Jack Motz reports on 27east.com that in celebration of the semi-quincentennial, the historic structure — part of one of the most significant and intact colonial farmsteads in the nation — will reopen to the public this coming Saturday - the 4th of July.East Hampton Historical Society Executive Director Steve Long said the project was the first comprehensive interior restoration of the historic building since the Historical Society first acquired the structure in 1948.The restoration project was comprehensive and entailed major plaster repair, carpentry and painting. A paint analysis was done about 10 years ago, which first identified the finishes in the various rooms, allowing the Historical Society to recreate the paint from 250 years ago.Mulford Farm, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was originally built in 1680. The farmhouse has been left largely unchanged since the end of the 18th century, with much of the framing and wood beams in the house being left undisturbed.“By modern standards, it’s a tiny little house, but by 18th century standards, it was really one of the most outstanding houses here in East Hampton,” Long said.Those who want to see the new house can take a self-guided tour or a tour with historical society staff. On the tours, they will learn about the eight members of the Mulford family who lived there, according to the 1776 Suffolk County census, and they will learn about the eight enslaved people who lived on the farm.The guided tour will begin on July 4 at 3 p.m. and those interested are asked to meet at Home Sweet Home Museum. Throughout the summer, the Mulford Farmhouse will be open Thursday to Monday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.***The Arts Center at Duck Creek in Springs has announced the return of its Family Night Series, a summer of free arts, music and community programming.Beginning this coming Monday, July 6, and continuing weekly through August 10, Family Night will transform Duck Creek’s East Hampton campus into a lively community gathering space where residents and visitors can enjoy performances, hands-on activities, food and entertainment. Programs take place on Mondays from 5 to 7 p.m. and are free and open to all ages.The series opens July 6 with Goat on a Boat Puppet Theater, a longtime East End favorite known for inspiring creativity through puppetry and interactive workshops. Founder and puppeteer Liz Joyce will serve as host for all six...
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    10 mins
  • A blistering heat wave will strain Long Islanders' air conditioning systems this week.

    A blistering heat wave will strain Long Islanders' air conditioning systems this week.
    Jul 2 2026
    In the wake of the fifth modern U.S. Open held at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club last week, many are asking the same questions they’ve asked following the previous four in 1986, ’95, 2004, and 2018. Was the event a good thing for Southampton? For the South Fork? For anyone?Michael Wright reports on 27east.com that when the inconveniences of the tournament’s logistics start to fall onto local residents and business people — primarily due to its impact on local roadways — {although traffic through Southampton during tournament week was generally a little lighter than the customary early summer congestion} - it always triggers questioning of whether the event is “worth it” for those who live and work on the South Fork as they await the next U.S. Open...which now is 2036 for both men and women.In an area practically synonymous with summer escape for 20 million metro area urbanites, where second-home owners and the massive service network their seasonal residency requires is already nearly overwhelming, do we really need a worldwide boost of notoriety?After all, "The Hamptons" are already America's most celebrated summer resort community.Social media posts flourished with local complaints blaming the Open for commutes that were perceived to be even more miserable than usual — and continued this week, when the removal of the temporary pedestrian bridge over County Road 39 closed that roadway starting at 8 p.m. on Monday and left westbound traffic still crawling in much of greater Southampton until after 10:30 p.m.As might be predicted, restaurant owners and those in the food and beverage industries proved this year again to be the biggest fans of the event in the business community and said they saw their revenues soar during the tournament compared to a regular June week and weekend.“Our day business was probably down 10 to 15 percent, which I attribute to people’s concerns about even coming to Southampton that week, but in the evenings, from Sunday the 14th right through until that Monday after the tournament ended, we were up 20 to 25 percent, and each night was better than the last,” said Don Sullivan, owner of the Southampton Publick House on Jobs Lane. “On that Monday after the tournament, we were mobbed — double what we normally do. So for us it was a very positive increase in business.”“The vibe in the village was really great all week,” Southampton Village Mayor Bill Manger said. “I think, overall, the event was good for business in the village, in what is not always the busiest week during that period of June. I saw a lot of people in the village every day with their Shinnecock gear on.”***An air quality health advisory is in effect today for the Long Island and NYC Metro regions, where air will be unhealthy for sensitive groups.The extreme heat warning remains in effect through 9 p.m. tomorrow, for “dangerously hot conditions” with heat index values up to 112º, according to the National Weather Service said.An extreme heat watch is in effect for Saturday, when heat index values could reach 103º.Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside, the weather service said. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible and drink plenty of water.Denise Civiletti reports on Riverheadlocal.com that seniors and those with chronic health problems or mental health conditions are at an increased risk. Homes without air conditioning can be much hotter than outdoor temperatures.The Town of Riverhead will open the senior center at 60 Shade Tree Lane as a cooling center both today and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.Know the symptoms of heat illness. Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which is a health emergency. Visit https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat-illness for more information.***Beth Young in EAST END BEACON tells us about some festive local happenings tonight and tomorrow.There will be fireworks this evening at both the Greenport Fire Department Carnival at the Moore’s Lane Polo Grounds, and at the North Sea Fire Department Carnival.There’s more music in East End parks tonight! Simply Stapleton, a tribute to Chris Stapleton, kicks off the Good Ground Park summer concert series in Hampton Bays this evening at 7 p.m. and the Nancy Atlas Project will be in Southampton’s Agawam Park at 6:30 p.m. And tomorrow, the Butterfly Effect Project at 1146 Main Road in Aquebogue, will hold an Independence Day Celebration with a free barbecue, activities for kids and honoring of local veterans.That’s Friday, the third of July…tomorrow from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. More details are at bepgirls.org.***White-tailed deer have become overpopulated in many parts of Long Island, according to state wildlife managers, occupying suburban landscapes at such high densities that they have damaged some woodlands, played host to ticks, and caused hazards to themselves and to humans when they wander ...
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    10 mins
  • Southampton Village issed state of emergency following Saturday thunderstorms

    Southampton Village issed state of emergency following Saturday thunderstorms
    Jul 7 2026
    Southampton Village has issued a state of emergency in response to Saturday night’s thunderstorm that will remain in effect through Friday, July 10, at 9 a.m.A brush amnesty will be extended to village residents until Friday to allow for residents to put storm debris out for pickup as part of cleanup efforts from the storm.Dan Stark reports on 27east.com that Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine shared on Sunday afternoon that a local state of emergency was declared on Saturday night in response to the thunderstorm. The state of emergency will last 30 days in Suffolk County.PSEG Long Island said that it had restored power to over 23,600 customers who were affected by the semi quincentennial storm, which brought wind gusts as high as 84 mph, hail and heavy rain to Suffolk County. The update noted that eastern Suffolk County was the hardest hit.The Town of Southampton has issued a brush amnesty to residents until tomorrow - Wednesday, July 8 - to allow residents to dispose of storm debris to transfer stations as part of cleanup efforts from the storm, according to Southampton Town Councilwoman Cyndi McNamara.Meanwhile, Denise Civiletti reports on Riverheadlocal.com that the Alive on 25 Summer Block Party event scheduled for Thursday, July 9 has been postponed, Riverhead Town Supervisor Jerry Halpin announced yesterday.The decision to postpone the event came in consultation with event organizer Diane Tucci of Main Street Agency, the Town Board and Riverhead Police Chief Ed Frost, due to the widespread impacts of the July 4 storm and continuing rain, according to a press release issued by Halpin’s office last night.The postponement will give residents, vendors, and town staff extra time to handle storm recovery and allow utility crews to restore power to all residents.***A 6-year-old girl died Saturday morning of a presumed drowning after police said she fell into the waters of a fast-moving creek in Tuckahoe while trying to retrieve a lost shoe and was swept into the Great Peconic Bay.John Valenti reports in NEWSDAY that Southampton Town police said officers, including from the marine patrol, as well as Southampton firefighters and volunteer ambulance crews responded to a 911 call received at 8:09 a.m. Saturday about a possible drowning off a beach on Sebonac Inlet Road. Officers initiated CPR on the girl, identified as Kiara Paolasin, of Brooklyn, after she was pulled from the water unresponsive by a kayaker, police said.Despite those efforts, police said Kiara was transported to Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.Police said an initial investigation indicates the girl was at the beach with family members to celebrate the Fourth of July weekend. In an account based on witness information, police said, "The child went into the water to retrieve footwear that was floating away and slipped and got pulled into the current."According to police, a 16-year-old family member attempted to reach the girl, but was unable to do so due to the swift current.Police said family members were able to flag a kayaker in the area, who then paddled to the unresponsive girl and pulled her from the water.The investigation is ongoing with the Suffolk County Medical Examiner's Office to determine the cause of death. Detectives are asking anyone with information on the incident to call them at 631-702-2239 or 631-728-3454.Information can also be forwarded using the police email tip-line at crimetips@southamptontownny.gov.***As college application season approaches, the Amagansett Library is launching a new program to help local high school students navigate one of the most challenging parts of the admissions process: the personal essay.The library will offer free, individualized one-on-one college essay support from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, July 17; Friday, August 21; and Saturday, September 19. Students may reserve a time slot through the library’s website or simply drop in during program hours, as appointments are not required.Designed to meet students wherever they are in the writing process, the sessions will provide personalized guidance on every stage of the college essay, from brainstorming topics and organizing ideas to drafting, revising, editing and final proofreading.The volunteer-led program is intended to help students develop essays that authentically reflect their experiences while strengthening their writing and storytelling skills.The organizers hope the free service will make the college application process less intimidating while giving students the confidence to tell their unique stories in their own voices.By offering individualized assistance at no cost, the library aims to provide an accessible resource for students and families during a pivotal stage in the college admissions journey.***U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer recently announced a request for $273.5 million in funding for research of ticks and tickborne diseases in the 2027 federal budget. The initiative would add $90...
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    10 mins
  • The Suffolk County Water Authority is urgently requesting that East End residents, particularly in East Hampton, immediately reduce water usage.

    The Suffolk County Water Authority is urgently requesting that East End residents, particularly in East Hampton, immediately reduce water usage.
    Jul 3 2026
    No se trabajo!As the sign on Hill Steet in Southampton, USA declares - No work in the village this holiday weekend.With the 4th of July falling on Saturday this year, Independence Day for government workers and the financial community is being observed today – the 3rd of July - nationwide. Celebrations will still take place on Saturday.John Valenti in NEWSDAY provides some of what is open and closed across Long Island:Government officesFederal and state, as well as public schools and libraries, will be closed today. This includes the NYS DMV, Suffolk county courts and some county and local departments. Check https://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/ for details.Mail and parcel servicePost offices will be open and there will be normal mail delivery today. Tomorrow there will be no mail delivery and post offices will be closed.Courier services like FedEx and UPS will have no service on Saturday — though UPS will operate normally Friday, while FedEx will offer modified service for some of its delivery categories.Most banks and the financial markets, including the New York Stock Exchange, will be closed today. ATMs, online banking and mobile banking services were expected to remain available regardless of branch hours.Most supermarkets, big box stores except Costco and shopping malls will be open, although some will operate on modified hours.TransportationThe Long Island Rail Road announced off-peak fares will be in effect systemwide the entire weekend. The LIRR will operate on a modified weekday schedule Friday, but will feature "early getaway" afternoon trains out of Penn Station and Atlantic Terminal. The LIRR said it would operate on normal Saturday and Sunday schedules.Hampton Jitney offers expansive schedule options throughout this weekend for its deluxe motor coach express service between the east end and NYC.The MTA has added enhanced afternoon and evening subway service to its major lines on Saturday to accommodate crowds for the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Show.***The Suffolk County Water Authority is urgently requesting that East End residents, particularly in East Hampton, immediately reduce water usage. “Water demand is approaching record levels due to severe drought conditions and a forecasted heat wave,” SCWA stated in a release yesterday. As reported on 27east.com, SCWA noted that the utility currently has two public water supply wells offline in East Hampton and two additional wells operating on emergency protocol only. “The loss of these two offline wells removes 8% of the total water production capacity in the area, significantly hindering the ability to meet peak summer demand,” SCWA stated. “With high overnight and early morning water use driven by irrigation systems, water storage tanks are beginning the day at low levels and require more time to refill. Low tank levels reduce system pressure, which lowers water flow to homes and limits water availability for fire protection.”SCWA is collaborating with Suffolk County to ensure that water pressure is maintained through this holiday weekend. “As we face extreme heat and dry conditions, I urge all East End residents to conserve water whenever possible,” Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said. “Simple steps taken today will help protect our water supply and ensure this vital resource remains available for our communities throughout the summer.”SCWA is asking residents to only water their lawns if absolutely necessary and to take practical steps to conserve water indoors. East Hampton Town Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez added: “East Hampton is being asked to pull together right now. I am imploring residents, businesses, and visitors to skip lawn watering unless it is absolutely necessary, follow the odd-even schedule, and avoid watering between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The town is doing its part by cutting back on outdoor water use at our facilities, and we are grateful to the Suffolk County Water Authority and Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine for working with us to protect public safety, and fire protection through the holiday weekend.”For details and indoor and outdoor water-saving methods, visit scwa.com/conservation.***Beth Young reports in EAST END BEACON that tonight is First Friday on Love Lane in Mattituck — the street will be closed to vehicles, shops will remain open late and street vendors will take over Mattituck’s historic shopping district from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Then tomorrow, the 4th of July, the kickoff concert of the Mattituck Park District’s summer concert series — The Eagle River Band, an Eagles tribute band, will play from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Veteran’s Beach.Also, on the north fork tomorrow, the Old Town Arts & Crafts Guild holds its Fine Arts, Crafts & Antique Fair on the Cutchogue Village Green from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.***As Long Island is about to celebrate America’s semi-quincentennial this weekend, Suffolk County officials yesterday ignited a vehicle using pyrotechnics to demonstrate ...
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    10 mins
  • Riverhead Town to step up parking enforcement downtown

    Riverhead Town to step up parking enforcement downtown
    Jul 8 2026
    Delays in the construction of new sidewalks along nearly three miles of Noyac Road have pushed the roadwork into July and caused headaches for motorists on some days, but the work is nearing completion and will be a major improvement for residents of the region that is already being well used, Southampton Town officials say.Michael Wright reports on 27east.com that the project was originally scheduled to be completed by the end of June, but the contractors have about a half-mile of sidewalks to go. The work requires that one lane of traffic be closed off, with the other lane used to allow cars to pass in alternating directions.The contractors have been wrapping up work each day before 3 p.m. to avoid impacting the heaviest trade parade traffic, but during the run-up to the July Fourth holiday last week the closures still meant long backups of cars on Noyac Road.“July Fourth weekend and they’re building a sidewalk — really?” one commuter, Debbie King, a Center Moriches resident, said in a message to a reporter last week with a photo of the resultant traffic jam through the windshield of her car, at about 2 p.m. on July 2. “Are they actually trying to torture us LOL?”Southampton Town Highway Superintendent Charlie McArdle knows that King and other commuters are not actually LOL-ing about the headaches of traffic delays from the project but said that the relatively minor inconveniences caused by the work will be over soon and could have been much worse.“The company that we picked to do this work is the best, the fastest and the most efficient company that is available for us to use — they are a huge company and we picked them on purpose because they have the resources to do it as fast as possible,” McArdle said of Rosemar Construction, the East Moriches contractor that won the $1.5 million contract from the town to build the sidewalk along Noyac Road.The sidewalk project has been in the planning for more than four years and is something that members of the Noyac community have asked for repeatedly for many years, Southampton Town Councilman Michael Iasilli said.***A Southampton man has been arrested, charged with reckless operation of a vessel, failure to report an accident involving personal injury and other counts after New York State Police said he crashed his boat into a jetty in Sag Harbor on Monday night, seriously injuring two passengers.Police said the operator, identified as Peter Mangiameli, 57, also left the scene while those passengers were receiving medical attention.John Valenti reports in NEWSDAY that the two passengers, whose identities were not released, were transported to a hospital for treatment of injuries that police said included a broken rib, leg fracture and vertebrae fracture. Their conditions were not reported yesterday.State police said Sag Harbor Village police received a report at 10:07 p.m. Monday that a boat had struck the jetty in Sag Harbor Bay.Investigators determined Mangiameli was operating a 2023 35-foot cruise boat from the bay into the harbor when the vessel struck the stone jetty causing what police described as "significant damage." There were eight passengers aboard the vessel, police said.Police said after the collision Mangiameli docked the boat but then left the scene. It was not immediately clear who notified police of the collision.Police said the investigation remained ongoing and asked anyone who may have witnessed the crash or who had additional information to contact them at 631-756-3300.***The Southampton Hospital Foundation has announced that award-winning journalist and bestselling author Katie Couric will moderate a conversation with internationally renowned model, advocate and Every Mother Counts founder and President Christy Turlington Burns during the foundation’s sixth annual East Hampton Emergency Department Luncheon tomorrow morning.Couric will appear in place of Brooke Shields at the fundraising event, which will be held as scheduled at the Maidstone Club in East Hampton.Thursday’s luncheon will benefit the Stony Brook East Hampton Emergency Department, supporting continued access to high-quality emergency care for residents and visitors on the East End.Registration begins at 10:30 a.m., with the program starting promptly at 11 a.m. A limited number of tickets remain available. For more information or to purchase tickets, email alexa.schultheis@stonybrookmedicine.edu or call 631-726-8700, option 1, extension 3.***East Hampton Town officials could seek court intervention over the installation — or construction, perhaps — of a large piece of art made of shipping containers at the former cow pasture turned high-end art gallery in Montauk known as “The Ranch,” most of which is agricultural reserve.Jack Motz reports on 27east.com that a split East Hampton Town Board this week gave the town attorney’s office the green light to pursue legal action against the owner of the property at 8 Old Montauk Highway, which got ...
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